TL;DR: On August 5, 2026, Saskatchewan RCMP warned heavy-duty trucking and transportation businesses of a large-scale fraud in which scammers buy goods by phone with fraudulent credit cards. Investigators have identified 12 Saskatchewan businesses affected. The release does not state dollar losses and no charges have been laid.
What happened
The RCMP warning says a caller phones a business to order tires, engine oil or trailer parts and gives card details. The payment initially shows as approved but pending, the business ships the items by courier, then the card is declined and no payment arrives.
The investigation began in March 2026 and has linked related incidents elsewhere in Western Canada. Police believe more businesses were targeted and want anyone who received a suspicious order to report it, even without a loss.
Why it works
A pending approval looks like a real sale, and shipping before settlement is routine for repeat trade customers. The seller carries the loss once the card is declined.
Scammers often try several cards, so a first decline does not end the attempt.
Background: our explainers on business email compromise and fake check scams. See also New Brunswick Man Gets 22 Months for Billing as Defunct Firm and Richmond RCMP Warn of Fake Currency Exchange Deals.
What the RCMP advise
- Be cautious if the first card is declined, since scammers often try several cards.
- Do not rely on caller ID. Verify the caller’s identity before processing payment.
- Watch for rushed or unusual requests and hold off on any suspicious transaction until it is verified.
- Report suspected fraud to your local RCMP detachment or call 310-RCMP, or anonymously to Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
If you have already sent money
Call your bank or card issuer at once and ask to stop or recall the payment, then report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (1-888-495-8501) and your local police. Our guides on reporting to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, Canadian bank impersonation scams and how to reverse a wire transfer scam walk through the steps, and what to do after a scam, wherever you live covers the first 24 hours. Scammers often start with details taken from past leaks, so run our free digital footprint check to see what of yours is already exposed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the trucking fraud work?
A caller orders parts with a card that shows approved but pending, the goods ship, then the card is declined and the business is not paid.
How many businesses are known to be affected?
12 Saskatchewan businesses have been identified, with related incidents linked elsewhere in Western Canada.
Should I report a suspicious order even with no loss?
Yes. Police believe more businesses were targeted and want reports even without a loss.
How do I report it?
Contact your local RCMP detachment, call 310-RCMP, or report anonymously to Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Sources
- RCMP Saskatchewan: Warning of large-scale fraud targeting heavy-duty trucking and transportation sector (Aug 5, 2026)
- Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
Related Reading
- New Brunswick Man Gets 22 Months for Billing as Defunct Firm
- Richmond RCMP Warn of Fake Currency Exchange Deals
- Sydney Trio Charged Over A$600,000 Email Scam and Gold Bullion
- Canada Scam News: October 2026 Roundup and Warnings
- Average Loss per Victim by Scam Type (2025)
- What to do after a scam, wherever you live